New help note published on gambling advertising

The Gambling Commission has welcomed the publication of a new help note on the existing rules for gambling advertisements.

Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) have launched the publication today following consultation with the Commission and other key stakeholders.

The note, available online, is designed to provide advertisers with clear guidance to help ensure that gambling advertising continues to be responsible and that children and vulnerable people are protected.

The help note contains a specific section on the marketing of free bets – an area where a number of complaints about online firms have been upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority. The Commission is working closely with its regulatory partners to ensure that such offers are marketed to customers in a fair, open and responsible way.

A Gambling Commission spokesperson said:

“We welcome this help note which will make it easier for gambling businesses to comply with the existing requirements for gambling advertising.”

Notes to editors

The Gambling Commission (the Commission) regulates gambling in the public interest alongside its co-regulators local licensing authorities. It does so by keeping crime out of gambling, by ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and by protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. Subject to these overriding public protection objectives, as regulator of the National Lottery the Commission monitors and challenges Camelot to raise the maximum amount for good causes. The Commission also provides independent advice to government on gambling in Britain.

The Commission and local licensing authorities are responsible for licensing and regulating all gambling in Great Britain other than spread betting, which is the responsibility of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

See the Terms & Conditions section of our website for information on legal advice.